WWW thanks for that info, as someone who has gone out an investigated these tests I have found that there are 3 flaws to them all.
1. I find the english tests racially bias. If one is to speak, read and write english but has not been brought up in an environment where the apptitudes tested have not been used to some extent in everyday life, eg: tests at school, reading video recorder setup instructions etc etc then the skills tested are not likey to reflect that. If your language is not english and say you were from the Europen continent going for a testing date with BA then already your behind the 8 ball. This however does not necessarily mean you cannot fly as well if not better than other people. The tests historically have been used on a range of people in a particular profession from a particular race which inturn already skews the test or makes it bias from the start. If I was going for a test for JAL and my Japanese comprehension was tested , even though i could speak read and write Japanese I will fail the apptitude and hence the opportunity. I think you get my point.
2. The tests are paradoxical. If I was a loud party person and I knew that this is what people saw in me, if confronted with a question along the lines of: are you loud and sociable person at parties, knowing that the airline did not want you to be too loud then I would answer accordingly to give the airline what they wanted. Whether knowing what the airline profile is or not, people become very self conscious of who they are and make themselves to be someone different to suit what they would like to see themselves as. I would not consider this lying just a reflection of the insecurities of people's perfect perception of themselves. I have done Psych tests and been myself and then re-done the test knowing the profile the airline has wanted. People are doing their research on the matter and if you want to know why most psy departmants at uni don't give out tests for you to practice, it's because it keeps them employed. Knowledge is powerful tool.
3. The tests do not test emotive intelligence or any individuals drive, energy level, dreams or aspirations for wanting to be a pilot or any other profession for that matter. I have worked with people from a wide range of backgrounds and it's typically the ones that have that little bit of insecurity in them that drives them to be the best.They are not complacent and their brains are always ticking over with brilliant ideas. Whether they are educated or not they will do it. You should never under estimate anyone's ablity to do anything. To have always wanted to be an airline pilot and to be told sorry your profile tells us your not the right stuff is absurd and elitist to the nth degree. Airlines neglect this, you only have to look on these pages to see people only worried about the money they are getting as opposed to the fact they are doing what they enjoy.
I have had my 2 cents worth and thank WWW for this info. I guess the bottom line is that the psych profile is becoming antiquated. There should be far more interviewing on motivation, general aircraft knowlegde and reasons for being there even before a psy test has knocked you out.